In the video "The Ferris Wheel," host Jim Wining shares a harrowing childhood memory of getting stuck on a Ferris wheel at an amusement park and fainting, only to be saved by his friend Randy, who held him securely until they reached the ground.

• A Lesson in Reliance: Jim uses this experience to highlight how frequently we rely on people and systems—like pilots, doctors, and elevators—without much thought. This reliance is something we often take for granted until it is tested or fails.

• Finding Mental Security: Jim raises a difficult question: How do we handle situations where there is no one or nothing left to rely on? He explains that true "mental security" is rooted in faith.

• Spiritual Security in Uncertain Times: Reflecting on the conflicts and uncertainties in today's world, Jim argues that God provides a deeper, more permanent security through Jesus Christ. Unlike the mechanical safety of a Ferris wheel, the peace offered by Jesus remains constant through both the good times and the bad, in life and in death.

• The Call to Be a Helper: Jim concludes by encouraging viewers to be that "helper" for others—much like his friend Randy was for him—providing the support that can help others find the faith, peace, and security they need.

Key Highlights

In this episode of "An Ordinary Man," host Jim Wining uses the recent spike in gas prices as a lens to explore deeper themes of responsibility, stewardship, and community.

• Historical Perspective: Jim compares current fuel costs to the "gas wars" of the 1950s and 60s, as well as the 1973 gas rationing period and his own experiences in the late 80s in the Dominican Republic, where purchasing limited amounts of fuel was a significant challenge.

• Economic Stewardship: He observes that when gas prices rise, the financial impact forces individuals to reassess their priorities. He argues that this pressure can actually foster greater responsibility and "better stewardship" of one's finances.

• Fostering Camaraderie: Rather than viewing these national challenges solely as a burden, Jim suggests they create opportunities for people to come together. The necessity of sharing rides, carpooling, and supporting neighbors in response to economic strain can build a stronger sense of community.

• Spiritual Accountability: Jim connects these practical challenges to the biblical principle of tithing and "first fruits." He explains that hard times can teach us the true importance of giving and being accountable to others, reflecting the core Christian mandate to love the Lord and love our neighbors as ourselves.

In the video "Happiness," host Jim Wining reflects on the true sources of contentment and joy, moving beyond superficial success to identify two core pillars: fellowship and helping others.

• The Foundations of Happiness: Jim argues that while it is possible to be happy alone, true happiness is significantly enhanced through fellowship—the shared experiences and camaraderie found in communities, workplaces, and sporting events. He highlights that helping others is a primary source of service, utility, and satisfaction.

• Finding Fellowship in Everyday Moments: * Sports and Community: Jim shares his experiences attending minor league baseball games, noting that the joy comes not just from the game itself, but from the simple, unscripted interactions with familiar faces and the feeling of shared community.

  • Acts of Service: He describes seeing a father helping his son in a public restroom as a poignant example of love and service, reinforcing that helping another person is a key ingredient in building a happy life.

• Happiness at Work and Home: Jim acknowledges that many people spend a vast majority of their lives at work, but he encourages viewers to look for ways to fellowship and serve colleagues rather than focusing solely on competition. He also emphasizes that the home—the foundation of marriage and family—is the ultimate center for developing love, peace, and mutual understanding.

• A Spiritual Perspective: Jim connects these human elements to the Christian faith. He explains that a church community should be a place to educate, correct, and fellowship. Beyond the earthly happiness found through serving others, he finds comfort in the spiritual assurance of an eternal life that transcends the limitations of the present.

Key Highlights

"Pea Patch," by "An Ordinary Man," host Jim WiningIn the video "Pea Patch," host Jim Wining uses the "pea patch" as a metaphor for an individual’s spiritual environment—such as a church or community group—and discusses the barriers that can restrict a person's faith walk.

Jim identifies three specific types of obstacles often found within religious structures that he argues are counterproductive to a genuine relationship with God:

• Human Restraints: Jim critiques legalistic traditions, such as strict dress codes and the tendency to judge or exclude individuals based on personal circumstances, like divorce. He specifically emphasizes that churches should be places of forgiveness and love rather than condemnation.

• Man-Made Rules: He argues against imposing external conditions on a person's relationship with the Holy Spirit, such as requiring someone to speak in tongues, stating that this crosses a line and complicates a simple relationship with God.

• "Stupid" Religious Procedures: Jim expresses his strong belief that individuals should seek forgiveness directly from God rather than through other human beings. He emphasizes that the gift of forgiveness comes from Jesus Christ.

As the president of Acts Ministry, Jim advocates for a transdenominational approach centered on unity in Christ through the Holy Spirit. He encourages viewers to strip away rigid, superficial traditions and focus on the core tenets of faith:

• Confessing sins to God and seeking repentance.

• Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior.

• Accepting the Bible as the Word of God.

Jim also highlights four key ministry partners that embody these values: Dr. Paul Collins at the Church of the Harvest in Branson, MO; the "Changing Times" broadcast hosted by Lynn Morris and Dr. Mary Byrne; Crossroads Community Church in Weslaco, TX, led by pastors Tom and Sheila Schindler; and With All My Heart (WAM), a thrift store in Ozark, MO, run by Todd and Andrea Carter.

Core Message: Cleansing Your "Pea Patch"A Focus on Unity and Simple Faith

"God, Man & AI"

In this broadcast, Jim Wining, president of the Acts Ministry, examines the rapid rise of AI and its potential impact on spreading the Gospel.

• AI as a Tool for Ministry: Jim positions AI as a powerful instrument that, when used under human and spiritual guidance, can help ministries reach people much more efficiently than traditional communication methods. He highlights how AI can simultaneously tailor and deliver messages across different languages, formats, and demographics.

• The Goal of Unity: Drawing inspiration from Jesus' prayer in John 17, Jim emphasizes the need for transdenominational unity. He believes AI can act as a connector, bringing diverse Christian denominations together to fulfill a shared mission.

• Invitation to Axefest 2026: Jim invites viewers to Axefest, a two-day conference taking place July 17–18 in Springfield, Missouri. The event will focus on the practical application of AI in ministry, including workshops on creating content and reaching specific demographics like seniors.

In the video "Character," host Jim Wining reflects on the fragile nature of character and the importance of trust in our daily lives. He defines character not merely as a personality trait, but as an essential foundation for human interaction built through understanding, genuine concern, and selflessness.

• The Fragility of Character: Jim shares personal stories to illustrate how quickly trust can be shattered. He recounts an experience where he offered to help a stranded motorist, only to be met with hostility because she did not trust him. He also details a recent, frustrating experience with the U.S. Postal Service, where a failed delivery and a lack of accountability undermined his long-standing respect for the institution.

• The Three Pillars of Character: Jim breaks down character into three active components:

  • Understanding: Having genuine respect for a person and the specific situation they are confronting.

  • Concern: Offering viable solutions that help others, which in turn builds trust.

  • Selflessness: The willingness to give more time and respect than you expect to receive in return.

• A Personal Foundation: He reflects on how his own character was nurtured by his aunt, who dedicated years to helping him build his vocabulary through daily phone calls—a consistent act of love and investment that created a lasting bond of trust.

• A Spiritual Anchor: Jim concludes by connecting these human ideals to Jesus Christ. He explains that we rely on Jesus because He possessed perfect character, consistently choosing to love and serve others, providing the ultimate example of the selflessness that defines true character.

Key Highlights

This video features host Jim Wining discussing the difference between hope and faith, sharing a personal testimony of how he successfully launched a "Free Store" in Lee's Summit, Missouri, decades ago by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Hope vs. Faith: Jim distinguishes between hope—the belief that something good will happen—and faith, which he describes as believing without physical evidence because of a deep trust in God’s nature and methods.

• The Lee’s Summit Miracle: While running the Heaven’s Gate Gospel Church, Jim felt led by the Holy Spirit to locate a specific vacant building across from City Hall to serve the community.

• Radical Obedience: Despite having no money or plan, Jim contacted the building's owner (a former Pittsburgh Steelers player) and secured the space for free for six months. He then walked into City Hall, found the right official without knowing his name, and obtained the necessary permit immediately.

• Mission Success: The resulting "Free Store" provided clothes, food, and toys to those in need, becoming a transformative community resource that served hundreds of people.

• A Call to Prayer: Jim encourages viewers to maintain faith during challenging times and to be open to the Holy Spirit’s direction, emphasizing that God is still in the business of performing miracles in our own communities.

Key Highlights

"Attention Deficit or Distracted" – An Ordinary Man

In this episode, host Jim Wining explores the evolution of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) from a childhood diagnosis in the 1980s and 90s into a broader, more complex societal challenge involving "distracted adults."

Personal Context & The Diagnosis

• Childhood Experience: Jim reflects on his own experience in the second grade, long before ADD was a common diagnosis. He describes how the repetitive nature of classroom teaching led to his own struggle with distraction, crediting a supportive teacher, Mrs. Cromer, for allowing him "movement breaks" that helped him manage his focus.

• The Medical Approach: He contrasts this practical solution with the medical response that emerged in later decades, arguing that relying heavily on medication like Ritalin acted as a "temporary plan" rather than addressing root causes or providing a long-term strategy for development.

The "Distracted Adult" & Societal Impact

• Persistent Challenges: Jim argues that the children diagnosed with these learning disabilities decades ago have now become adults who continue to struggle with maintaining social connections, holding jobs, and respecting authority.

• Societal Disruptions: He links this lack of focus and impulse control to broader societal issues, such as disruptive public behavior, the rejection of law and order, and even confusion regarding personal identity. He suggests that many of these individuals remain "mentally absent," leading to a feeling of disconnection from societal structures.

A Spiritual Perspective

• The Root Cause: Jim asserts that this growing societal discord is not merely a political or educational failure but a spiritual one. Drawing from Ephesians 2:2, he suggests that the true goal of these distractions is the destruction of humanity, which he identifies as the "jewel of God's creation."

• The Path Forward: Rather than focusing on political blame, Jim calls for a return to the Word of God. He advocates for loving, forgiving, and patient guidance for these individuals, pointing to the unity Jesus Christ prayed for in John 17 as the ultimate solution to bring people back together and glorify God’s creation.